{4012} Primeπερίperi{per-ee'}From the base of G4008; properly through (all over), that is, around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive case denoting the subject or occasion or superlative point; with the accusative case the locality, circuit, matter, circumstance or general period).

{5550} Primeχρόνοςchronos{khron'-os}Of uncertain derivation; a space of time (in genitive case, and thus properly distinguished from G2540, which designates a fixed or special occasion; and from G0165, which denotes a particular period) or interval; by extension an individual opportunity; by implication delay.

{2532} Primeκαίkai{kahee}Apparently a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so, then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words.

{2192} Primeἔχωecho{ekh'-o}A primary verb (including an alternate form σχέω [[scheo]], {skheh'-o}; used in certain tenses only); to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition).

1 Thessalonians 5:1

_ _ 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28. The suddenness of Christ’s coming a motive for watchfulness; Various precepts: Prayer for their being found blameless, body, soul, and spirit, at Christ’s coming: Conclusion.

_ _ times  the general and indefinite term for chronological periods.

_ _ ye have no need  those who watch do not need to be told when the hour will come, for they are always ready [Bengel].

_ _ cometh  present: expressing its speedy and awful certainty.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-5

_ _ In these words observe,

_ _ I. The apostle tells the Thessalonians it was needless or useless to enquire about the particular time of Christ's coming: Of the times and seasons you need not that I write unto you,1 Thessalonians 5:1. The thing is certain that Christ will come, and there is a certain time appointed for his coming; but there was no need that the apostle should write about this, and therefore he had no revelation given him; nor should they or we enquire into this secret, which the Father has reserved in his own power. Of that day and hour knoweth no man. Christ himself did not reveal this while upon earth; it was not in his commission as the great prophet of the church: nor did he reveal this to his apostles; there was no need of this. There are times and seasons for us to do our work in: these it is our duty and interest to know and observe; but the time and season when we must give up our account we know not, nor is it needful that we should know them. Note, There are many things which our vain curiosity desires to know which there is no necessity at all of our knowing, nor would our knowledge of them do us good.

_ _ II. He tells them that the coming of Christ would be sudden, and a great surprise to most men, 1 Thessalonians 5:2. And this is what they knew perfectly, or might know, because our Lord himself had so said: In such an hour as you think not, the Son of man cometh,Matthew 24:44. So Mark 13:35, Mark 13:36, Watch you therefore, for you know not when the master of the house cometh; lest, coming suddenly, he find you sleeping. And no doubt the apostle had told them, as of the coming of Christ, so also of his coming suddenly, which is the meaning of his coming as a thief in the night,Revelation 16:15. As the thief usually cometh in the dead time of the night, when he is least expected, such a surprise will the day of the Lord be; so sudden and surprising will be his appearance. The knowledge of this will be more useful than to know the exact time, because this should awaken us to stand upon our watch, that we may be ready whenever he cometh.

_ _ III. He tells them how terrible Christ's coming would be to the ungodly, 1 Thessalonians 5:3. It will be to their destruction in that day of the Lord. The righteous God will bring ruin upon his and his people's enemies; and this their destruction, as it will be total and final, so, 1. It will be sudden. It will overtake them, and fall upon them, in the midst of their carnal security and jollity, when they say in their hearts, Peace and safety, when they dream of felicity and please themselves with vain amusements of their fancies or their senses, and think not of it,  as travail cometh upon a woman with child, at the set time indeed, but not perhaps just then expected, nor greatly feared. 2. It will be unavoidable destruction too: They shall not escape; they shall in no wise escape. There will be no means possible for them to avoid the terror nor the punishment of that day. There will be no place where the workers of iniquity shall be able to hide themselves, no shelter from the storm, nor shadow from the burning heat that shall consume the wicked.

_ _ IV. He tells them how comfortable this day will be to the righteous, 1 Thessalonians 5:4, 1 Thessalonians 5:5. Here observe, 1. Their character and privilege. They are not in darkness; they are the children of the light, etc. This was the happy condition of the Thessalonians as it is of all true Christians. They were not in a state of sin and ignorance as the heathen world. They were some time darkness, but were made light in the Lord. They were favoured with the divine revelation of things that are unseen and eternal, particularly concerning the coming of Christ, and the consequences thereof. They were the children of the day, for the day-star had risen upon them; yea, the Sun of righteousness had arisen on them with healing under his wings. They were no longer under the darkness of heathenism, nor under the shadows of the law, but under the gospel, which brings life and immortality to light. 2 Timothy 1:10. 2. Their great advantage on this account: that that day should not overtake them as a thief,1 Thessalonians 5:4. It was at least their own fault if they were surprised by that day. They had fair warning, and sufficient helps to provide against that day, and might hope to stand with comfort and confidence before the Son of man. This would be a time of refreshing to them from the presence of the Lord, who to those that look for him will appear without sin unto their salvation, and will come to them as a friend in the day, not as a thief in the night.

1 Thessalonians 5:1

But of the precise times when this shall be.

1 Thessalonians 5:1

But (1) of the times and the (a) seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.

(1) The day that God has appointed for this judgment we do not know. But this is sure, that it will come upon men when they are not expecting it.

Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what [shall be] the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?Matthew 24:36 But of that day and hour knoweth no [man], no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.Mark 13:30-32 Verily I say unto you, that this generation shall not pass, till all these things be done. ... But of that day and [that] hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.Acts 1:7 And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power.

ye:

1 Thessalonians 4:9 But as touching brotherly love ye need not that I write unto you: for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another.2 Corinthians 9:1 For as touchingthe ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort [you] that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.